We're here to assist with your application. To help you with any questions you might have, we've provided access below to our frequently asked questions. Alternatively, you can call a customer service representative at 1-800-769-2511.
Do I qualify to open an account online?
You are eligible to open a Personal Deposit Account using this online application if you are:
Answering a few eligibility questions during the Getting Started step of the application will help us determine whether you are able to open a new account online and to streamline your application process.
What type of identification is required?
To help make the application process easier and faster, please have the following pieces of information available when you complete the application:
If you choose to activate your account using the Micro-Deposit option, you will need to include the following details of your personal account held with another Canadian financial institution:
If you choose to activate your account using the Personal Cheque option, you will need to mail us a personal cheque from your account held with another Canadian financial institution. The cheque must be made out in the amount equal to, or greater than, $25 CAD and be pre-printed with your name and address.
Can I open an account online with a co-applicant?
You may open an account online with up to one co-applicant (also known as a joint account). We'll need to gather information for that person as well.
When will my account be opened?
If we are able to verify your identity during the application process, your account will be opened instantly. You will be given the choice of completing your account activation by mail or visiting a branch in order to activate it. These options are described in more detail in FAQ's below. If we were not able to verify your identity you will be asked to visit a branch to complete the final steps to open and activate your new account.
How long does the application process take?
Our online application can be completed in 5 simple steps and usually takes 10 minutes or less to complete. Once the application is submitted, we'll provide you with instructions for activating your account. Depending on your eligibility and the account you are opening, you can choose your preferred method to activate your account from the following options:
Apply Online & Visit a Branch
Complete the online application and we'll contact you to book an appointment at your local branch to complete the process. When you visit a branch, all of your information will already be entered into our system. We will just need you to present 2 pieces of identification and sign your Signature form.
Estimated time: 2-3 days.
Apply Online using Micro Deposit
When you complete the online application and select to activate your account using the Micro Deposit method, we will make 2 small deposits (totalling less than $1.00 CAD) to a personal deposit account you have held with another Canadian financial institution. You will need to confirm these amounts to activate your account. You will also be required to mail us your Signature form. *This option requires a printer.
Estimated time: 2-3 days.
Apply Online using a Personal Cheque
Complete the online application and simply mail us a personal cheque (payable to you) from your account held with another Canadian financial institution in the amount equal to, or greater than, $25 CAD. The cheque must be pre-printed with your name and address. This cheque will be deposited to your new RBC account. Once the cheque clears, your account will be activated. You will also be required to mail us your Signature form. *This option requires a printer.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks
Open an Account through RBC Online Banking
Current RBC Online Banking clients can simply sign in to Online Banking and open an account from there.
Estimated time: Immediate
Why do you ask for Social Insurance Number?
Providing your social insurance number (SIN) is not mandatory, however it does help us with the application process. Your social insurance number is a unique number, it helps us to identify you quickly and efficiently and is the best way to make sure information provided to us in a credit bureau report actually refers to you.
If we have your social insurance number, we may use it for tax related purposes if you hold a product generating income and share it with the appropriate government agencies, and we may also share it with credit reporting agencies to identify you.
However, providing your social insurance number as part of this application process is voluntary.
What will my email address be used for?
We ask for your email so that we can let you know about the status of your new account application. RBC Royal Bank will never ask you to provide confidential information like your account number, PIN number or password through email.
If you do not have an email address, you can visit your preferred branch to complete an application.
Our online application allows you the option to apply for an account to be used on behalf of a third party. A third party is an individual or entity not named on the account, but gives directions to the account holder as to how to deal with the funds in the account. This would not include an individual who has been granted the authority to give instructions on the account, such as a power of attorney.
Is my personal information safe?
Your personal information is safe with us. At RBC, we are committed to your financial well-being, and protecting the privacy and security of the information you share with us is included in that commitment.
We diligently work to maintain our online security to the highest possible standards, and controls that we use to protect your information include:
We encourage you to visit our Privacy and Security website to learn more about how we safeguard your information.
What statement options are available?
Electronic Statements and Notifications1
Electronic statements and notifications are an online version of your paper statements available in PDF format (Adobe* Acrobat* required). You can view, save or print them at your convenience. With this document option, you can also view digital images of your cheques at no charge. And the online 7-year archive gives you quick and easy access to your past statements.
Once your new account is activated, you will need to enroll in RBC Online Banking^ to view your electronic statements and notifications. To change your document option from electronic to paper, simply sign in and, select "View and Manage Documents" under Account Services. You may also call us at: 1-800-769-2511 or visit a branch to request a paper statement. If you do not activate your RBC Royal Bank Online Banking service, or contact us to request paper statements, you will not receive a paper statement for this account.
How do I enrol for Online Banking and sign in?
Enrol for Online Banking (Auto-Enrolment or Self-Enrolment)
There are several ways to enrol in Online Banking, depending on your preference.
Auto-Enrolment
If you apply for a product online and your account is opened, you will be automatically enrolled in Online Banking. We will provide you with your personal client card number. Next, you will be asked to choose a password. Use your client card number and chosen password to sign in to Online Banking.
Once you have been enrolled through the auto-enrolment process, you do not need to go through the self-enrolment process listed below.
Self-Enrolment
Complete the Online Banking registration process by following our simple onscreen instructions. You will need to provide the following information:
Note: Only Personal Banking clients with a valid RBC Royal Bank Client Card or RBC Royal Bank credit card can register online.
Enrol by Phone
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-769-2555 and follow the prompts (TTY: 1-800-661-1275).
Enrol in Person
Come visit us at one of our many branch locations during operating hours.
Sign In to Online Banking
For instruction on how to Sign In to Online Banking, visit the Online Technical Tips page for more information.
Do I qualify to apply for a credit card?
To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:
What type of information is needed to apply?
To help make the application process easier and faster, please have the following pieces of information available when you complete the application:
How long does the application/approval process take?
Why do you ask for Social Insurance Number?
Providing your social insurance number (SIN) is not mandatory, however it does help us with the application process. Your social insurance number is a unique number, it helps us to identify you quickly and efficiently and is the best way to make sure information provided to us in a credit bureau report actually refers to you.
If we have your social insurance number, we may use it for tax related purposes if you hold a product generating income and share it with the appropriate government agencies, and we may also share it with credit reporting agencies as an aid to identify you.
However, providing your social insurance number as part of this application process is voluntary for you.
What will my email address be used for?
If you provide an email address, we will be able to notify you of your application status by email.
We ask for your email so that we can let you know about the status of your new account application. RBC Royal Bank will never ask you to provide confidential information like your account number, PIN number or password through regular email.
If you do not have or decide not to provide your email address you are still able to apply online and then visit your preferred branch to complete the application process.
If you are applying for the WestJet RBC MasterCard or the WestJet RBC World MasterCard an email address is required to set up your WestJet dollars account with WestJet. Since email will serve as the primary method of communication, let WestJet know if your email address changes in order to continue to receive regular communication about your WestJet dollars account.
Is my personal information safe?
Your personal information is safe with us. At RBC, we are committed to your financial well-being, and protecting the privacy and security of the information you share with us is included in that commitment.
We diligently work to maintain our online security to the highest possible standards, and controls that we use to protect your information include:
We encourage you to visit our Privacy and Security website to learn more about how we safeguard your information.
What statement options are available?
Electronic statements are an online version of the paper statements. These online statements are available in PDF format (Adobe* Acrobat* required) and allow you to view, save or print them at your convenience. With this statement option, you can view digital images of your cheques at no charge. And the online 7-year archive gives you quick and easy access to your past statements.
RBC MasterCard statements are not available as eStatements at this time. If you would like to view your RBC MasterCard transactions online, please use the MasterCard Inquiry service.